New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Receives 2025 Business Advocate of the Year Award

Strategic Insights -

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez has been recognized for her efforts to support the business community and make New Jersey a more business-friendly state. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce awarded Commissioner Suárez the 2025 Business Advocate of the Year Award, citing her commitment to economic growth, prosperity, and a business-friendly climate in New Jersey. This recognition is part of the Chamber's annual Legislative and Business Awards Reception, which honors outstanding state legislators and proactive business leaders.

Key Takeaways:

  • Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez received the 2025 Business Advocate of the Year Award from the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce for her efforts in making New Jersey a more business-friendly state.
  • The award recognizes Suárez's commitment to economic growth, prosperity, and a business-friendly climate in New Jersey, as part of the Chamber's annual Legislative and Business Awards Reception.
  • Since 1996, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has hosted biannual Legislative and Business Awards Receptions to honor outstanding state legislators and proactive business leaders who support a business-friendly state.
  • The award highlights Suárez's leadership at the Department of Community Affairs, marked by accessibility, collaboration, and a commitment to improving how the state serves residents and employers.
  • Commissioner Suárez leads DCA with a focus on three core pillars: data-driven decision making, stakeholder engagement and partnerships, and solutions-focused approaches to managing challenges.
  • Under Suárez's leadership, DCA adopted rules that streamline the construction process, including the New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act, which allows architects and engineers to self-certify compliance with the Uniform Construction Code.
  • DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, and disaster recovery and mitigation.

Statistics:

  • The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has been hosting its annual Legislative and Business Awards Receptions since 1996.
  • Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez has been leading the Department of Community Affairs with a focus on three core pillars.
  • 8 recipients will be recognized with an award during this year's reception, which will be held on October 22.
  • DCA has played a key role in the New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act, allowing architects and engineers to self-certify compliance with the Uniform Construction Code.
  • DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including affordable housing production, rental assistance, and disaster recovery and mitigation.

Sources:

  • New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. (n.d.). About DCA. Retrieved from
  • New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. (n.d.). 2025 Business Advocate of the Year Award. Retrieved from
  • "TRENTON, NJ -- The following information was released by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA): Award Recognizes Individuals Whose Work Supports Economic Growth, Prosperity, and a Business-Friendly Climate in New Jersey" (2025).